In the novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, narrator Nick Carraway moves to West Egg, Long Island, after World War I. He reunites with his cousin Daisy and her husband Tom, and befriends his mysterious wealthy neighbor, Jay Gatsby. Gatsby, who once loved Daisy, rekindles an affair with her, leading to significant conflict. The story explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream in the 1920s. This book contains portrayals of violence that may be disturbing to some readers.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is lauded for its lyrical prose and incisive commentary on the American Dream, set against the opulence and moral decay of the 1920s. Critics praise its rich characterizations and enduring relevance. Some find the plot slow and the characters unlikable, but its literary craftsmanship is widely respected.

A reader who enjoys The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is typically drawn to classic American literature, themes of decadence and the American dream, and intricate character studies. Fans of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee or Catch-22 by Joseph Heller will find similar appeal in its exploration of societal issues and personal relationships.

Bittersweet / Mysterious / Melancholic / Nostalgic / Romantic

- F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby was originally published in 1925, but it wasn't until after his death that the novel gained widespread popularity, eventually becoming a staple of American high school curricula.
- The cover art of The Great Gatsby—featuring disembodied eyes and a mouth looming over a carnival—is one of the most iconic images in American literature and was designed by artist Francis Cugat before the book was completed.
- F. Scott Fitzgerald's wife, Zelda Fitzgerald, is said to have inspired some of the characteristics of Daisy Buchanan, one of the central characters in The Great Gatsby.

**Nick Carraway**  
Nick Carraway is the novel's narrator and a Midwestern transplant observing the wealthy elite of New York. He becomes a close friend of Jay Gatsby, offering a unique perspective on the events and the characters' inner lives.

**Jay Gatsby**  
Jay Gatsby, born James Gatz, is a mysterious millionaire known for his lavish parties. He befriends his neighbor Nick to reconnect with Daisy Buchanan, his lost love, whom he is determined to win back.

**Daisy Buchanan**  
Daisy Buchanan is a beautiful and wealthy socialite from Louisville, married to Tom Buchanan. She is the object of Gatsby's affection and symbolizes the elusiveness of the American Dream.

**Tom Buchanan**  
Tom Buchanan is Daisy's wealthy and aristocratic husband, known for his boorish behavior and infidelity. He serves as the novel's antagonist, stirring conflict among the characters.

**Jordan Baker**  
Jordan Baker is a professional golfer and Nick's romantic interest. She represents the flapper ideal and challenges traditional gender roles, albeit with a lack of moral integrity.

**Myrtle Wilson**  
Myrtle Wilson is Tom's mistress and the wife of George Wilson, owner of a local garage. She aspires to a life of wealth and luxury, seeing Tom as her escape from her working-class existence.

**George Wilson**  
George Wilson is Myrtle's husband and a struggling garage owner. He becomes entangled in the tragic events surrounding the rich characters, ultimately suffering greatly from their destructive actions.

F. Scott Fitzgerald

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Great Gatsby and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Great Gatsby Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Great Gatsby Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 1 The Great Gatsby Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 2 The Great Gatsby Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 3 The Great Gatsby Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 4 The Great Gatsby Chapter 4 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 5 The Great Gatsby Chapter 5 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 6 The Great Gatsby Chapter 6 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 7 The Great Gatsby Chapter 7 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 8 The Great Gatsby Chapter 8 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 9 The Great Gatsby Chapter 9 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Great Gatsby Character Analysis

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Themes

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The Great Gatsby Symbols & Motifs

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The Great Gatsby Important Quotes

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The Great Gatsby

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